My Mommy Mart

September 28, 2013

A person doesn't have to be a parent to shop at My Mommy Mart, the twice-yearly children's clothing and more consignment event at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

"I love a good deal," said Lindsey Lynch, 23, of Williamstown. "I don't have children, but I buy for my niece."

Lynch is among a group of volunteers who help stock racks, shelves and tables with clothing from size newborn through 16 and a host of other items, including toys, books, movies and video games. They also ring up customers' purchases at the event, going on through Sunday in the junior fair building. In exchange for their service, they get first crack at the deals the day before a "sneak peek" sale where the proceeds from $10 tickets go to charity.

Article Photos

EVAN BEVINS The Marietta TimesJustine Biehl of Beverly looks through clothing as her daughter, Aubree Bartmess, sits in her stroller Friday during the My Mommy Mart consignment event in the junior fair building at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

They also get to have fun.

"A lot of them, they have become friends," said Williamstown resident Molly Floding, who owns and operates My Mommy Mart with her husband, Jason. "This is their chance to hang out and talk and find out how each other's families are doing."

The Flodings started My Mommy Mart in 2009 with 26 consignors. The current sale, which began with Thursday's sneak peek, drew 215.

Fact Box

If you go

What: My Mommy Mart, children's consignment event.

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Junior fair building, Washington County Fairgrounds.

Admission: Free.

For information: www.mymommymart.com

"So far, it increases every time," Floding said.

That growth makes for some long days getting ready for the sale.

"This is the first time I think I've sat down in four or five days," Floding said Friday afternoon.

Shoppers on Friday afternoon were a mixture of newcomers and returning customers.

"I got all the necessities for a newborn," said Karissa Bonnette, 22, of Waterford, who was pregnant with daughter Ryleigh last year when she came to My Mommy Mart for the first time. "This year, I'm getting mostly toys for Ryleigh."

Volunteer Megan Craig, 38, of Marietta, said Floding is very particular about the items that are included for sale, weeding out things that are stained or not in good condition. She consigns items but also enjoys seeing what deals people discover at the sale.

"I like working up here because I get to see everybody get so thrilled with what they find," she said.

There is no charge for admission to the sale. On Sunday, many items are offered at reduced prices.